Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast

After breakfast we drive inland to the Krka Valley, home to an immensely impressive sequence of lakes, where water cascades dramatically from one to the next via vertiginous interlocking waterfalls. Minerals dissolved in the water trigger stunning colour changes, from turquoise to azure-blue and from vibrant green to steely grey. With reflections of the majestic surrounding peaks and luxuriant forests rippling on lake surfaces, it’s impossible not to be awestruck.

You’ll witness one of the most dramatic stretches of the river as you walk past several tiers of waterfalls tumbling magnificently into a broad, shallow pool, before we take a boat trip along the river. There’s ample time to absorb the surroundings before we return to our hotel during the afternoon.

We drive along stunning Dalmatian coastline on our way to Split. Croatia’s second-largest city is most famous for a single building, the colossal palace of Emperor Diocletian, which makes up much of the city’s Old Town. It’s one of the great structures of the Roman Empire and has survived in amazing condition since it was built at the turn of the 4th century. A guided walking tour this morning of the fascinating complex will bring its storied history to life.

We visit the nearby medieval citadel of Trogir, one of the most beguiling little ports in Dalmatia. The Old Town is actually an island. A wealth of Renaissance and Romanesque buildings line a veritable maze of charmingly chaotic lanes. At the centre is the exquisite Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, whose long cycle of construction is reflected in its contrasting architectural features.

Wander where your feet take you, cast an eye over one of the many antique shops or just enjoy a coffee in a pavement café – the choice is yours, before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.

On our journey from the airport on day one, we'll have driven through the Peljesac peninsula and over the bridge to Omis. The bridge - which opened in 2022 - significantly cuts down the time it takes to go to the northern half of Croatia, as there's no longer a need to pass through the Bosnian border. While we didn't stop here on day one, today we'll take the opportunity to explore the peninsula properly as we say goodbye to our hotel in Omis and head to Mali Ston.

The Peljesac peninsula is renowned for its beautiful scenery, vineyards and seafood. Of the charming towns and villages on the peninsula, the medieval towns of Ston and Mali Ston are the most well-known - famous for salt, city walls and oysters.

Salt production has been a vital economic activity for centuries, with the oldest salt pans dating back over 4000 years in the Mediterranean. To safeguard this economic mainstay, a massive, fortified wall was constructed to protect the salt pans. Today, the surviving wall spans over 4.3 miles making it the second-longest wall globally, after the Great Wall of China.

On arrival, we visit a traditional family-run wine cellar. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the authentic flavours of Ston and Mali Ston. Sample a variety of flavourful cheeses, including specialities like Pag cheese, alongside thinly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto and renowned local wines. Our hosts will guide us through a selection of delicious local wines, sharing their knowledge and stories. This unforgettable experience offers an authentic taste of the region, connecting you with its culinary heritage and leaving lasting memories. Afterwards, there'll be the opportunity to explore Mali Ston. Wander the medieval streets and squares, take in the view of the bay or - if you're not full already - visit one of the family-run restaurants and cafes. Top tip:  If oysters are your thing, you'll find some of the best in Europe here. The tradition of oyster farming in Mali Ston has survived since Roman times, and they'll be fresh from local oyster beds.

After free time, we continue to Dubrovnik, where we stay for four nights.

Dubrovnik, an independent city-state for much of its history, has evolved differently to the rest of Croatia. This morning, we take a tour with an expert local guide explaining the city’s landmarks and intriguing history. Dubrovnik threw off its Venetian masters in medieval times and founded a commercial empire, trading with the eastern Mediterranean, France, Spain and, later, the Ottoman Empire.

The economic boom that resulted in the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ found beautiful expression in the likes of the Rector’s Palace, now a museum, and Sponza Palace, currently housing centuries of historical city documents. The main avenue, lined by enticing shops and cafés, is completely paved with marble, which strikingly reflects the midday sun. Add in a wonderful array of monasteries and monumental ramparts and you’ll find this is a wonderful city, nestling in a location of outstanding natural beauty.

You are free to explore before we return to the hotel for dinner.

You have the day to yourselves, so what is it to be? Watching the world go by as you have a leisurely lunch in the main square? Enjoying a cruise around the harbour? A stroll around the city walls that once protected the city’s inhabitants, but now offer unbeatable views? The options are many and the choice is yours.

This morning we drive south away from the rugged coast around Dubrovnik and through the lush fields and immaculate vineyards of Konavle, Croatia’s southernmost region nestled between the mesmerising blue Adriatic Sea and the dramatic mountains. This fertile land became the main granary of the Dubrovnik Republic and has produced grapes, olives and even silk for hundreds of years. Dotting the landscape are villages with centuries-old stone houses, where traditional farming methods and crafts are still very much a part of modern life.

The rivers that flow through the valley encouraged the construction of mills for agricultural development over the centuries, but today only three remain operational. We visit one of these faithfully restored watermills to learn how woollen cloth was produced here – the traditional processes of spinning, weaving and stamping are fascinating. Afterwards we enjoy a welcome drink made with homemade liqueurs, figs, sugared orange, lemon peels and candied almonds, as well as a selection of local cheeses, prosciutto, bread and wine for which Konavle is renowned.

We then visit Cavtat, a picturesque town on the Adriatic Coast set amidst an evergreen forest of pine and cypress trees. The charming harbour, lined with palm trees has been compared to St Tropez, it is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by from one of the many cafes and restaurants.